Leon Valley puts its flavor on parade

By Natalie Chandler Staff Writer |
May 12, 2011

Dickey's Barbecue pulled pork sandwich is just one of the items that will be offered Sunday at Taste of Leon Valley. More than 40 vendors will participate.

Photo By BOB OWEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The item of it's namesake, Henry's Puffy Tacos on Bandera at Loop 410 will be offering samples at Taste of Leon Valley, which will be held at the Leon Valley Community Center, 6427 Evers Road.

Photo By HELEN L. MONTOYA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Moroccan Bites will feature some of its exotic flavors in samples at the Taste of Leon Valley.

From Pakistani barbecue to homemade brittle to brisket tacos, this weekend's first "Taste of Leon Valley" aims to drive economic development into the city by offering visitors samples of food, drink and fun from several different countries.

More than 40 vendors are participating in Sunday's event. It runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Leon Valley Community Center on 6427 Evers Road.

Although the event is free to attend, food samples will be sold. Prices range from $1 to $4.50, depending on what vendors are offering, said Rose Ryan, the city's economic development director.

In an effort to attract more people to Leon Valley, organizers decided to skip the admission fee that is typically charged at similar events in surrounding cities. They are hoping that those who attend the "Taste of Leon Valley" will enjoy the samples from various restaurants, grocers and beverage companies enough to return to the city.

"Instead of a fundraiser with a $45 gate admission, you have free admission," Ryan said. "That brings people in and showcases all of our area businesses. It's exposing the general public to the wonderful array of restaurants, beverage companies and our farmer's market. This will give us a great opportunity for us to showcase those things."

Dickey's Barbecue will offer a pulled pork sandwich with a drink for $3.99, said restaurant manager Sandor Glez.

He said those menu items run about $6.50 at the eatery on Bandera Road, and he expects the event will help attract more business.